MTLSD Students Recognized in National Writing Competitions

Mt. Lebanon students from Mellon Middle, Jefferson Middle, and Mt. Lebanon High School have received national recognition for their outstanding writing in the 2025 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) writing contests.

This year, the NCTE Promising Young Writers Program received 226 nominations from middle school students and 680 from high school students across the United States and around the world. Students recognized from Mt. Lebanon School District included: 

Jefferson Middle School 

• Theo Knowles and Claira McElroy received First Class designations. 
• Ivy Mariano was recognized with a Superior designation.

Mellon Middle School

• Samantha Baker and Mary Mooney both received the top First Class designation. This is the first time two Mellon Middle School students have achieved this honor in the same year. 
• Grace Hughes also earned the Superior designation.

Mt. Lebanon High School 

• Four students were honored in the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing. 
• Megan Greenfield and Madeline Zapko received the First Class designation. 
• Michelle Yang earned a Superior rating
• Rosabelle Dunlap was awarded an Excellent designation.

Congratulations to all of our talented writers and the teachers who support and inspire them!